Friday, October 17, 2014

Perfection in Puerto Rico

Words by Taylor Wilson
Photos courtesy of Viera Photographics

When Celina accepted a job as a Marketing Associate, she never imagined this new opportunity would result in everlasting love. An unexpected project pairing and some natural chemistry where the exact ingredients Celina and Mike needed to spark an instant “crush” for each other. Several months later, the two decided it was time for a first date and ever since, these co-workers have been inseparable.

With wanderlust running through their veins, Mike and Celina decided a destination wedding was a must. This decision was also obvious due to the fact they were both from different hometowns, having moved to San Diego shortly after their engagement, so either way, people would have to travel. Wanting to focus on the blending of family and friends, the couple opted for the relaxed and casual atmosphere of Puerto Rico for their destination wedding.

One of Celina’s close friends had recently launched an event planning business in Rincon, which made planning a breeze. The two worked together via email, phone calls and social media to plan the couple’s dream day. “Pinterest became my best friend while planning this wedding. It was so exciting to see all these bits and pieces that I had fallen in love with merge together and take shape to form our wedding day,” says the bride. In the blink of an eye, an elaborate Pinterest board turned into a casual beach front ceremony with their closest friends and family.

Celina and Mike took advantage of every moment to allow their guests to mix and mingle. “We hosted a meet and greet at one of our favorite bars, a bridal shower and gentleman’s day at the beach, bachelor/ette parties and a rehearsal dinner prior to the wedding,” explains Celina.

The day was absolutely perfect for Celina and Mike and every moment, including the small hiccups, contributed to that. “Even things that seemed like a disaster at the time bring a smile to my face now – like almost catching a few palm trees on fire with our wish lanterns, or discovering a beehive in one of the rooms of our rental property, or nearly getting pummeled by a falling coconut. But if I had to choose one thing, it would be the hour that Mike and I spent after the wedding, recapping and laughing at the day’s events.”

Celina and Mike remind other couples planning a destination wedding to let go and relax. “Don’t stress the small things. At the end of the day, no one is going to remember if you walked a little too quickly or if your manicure wasn’t the perfect shade of pink. In the end, all anyone seems to remember is how happy you looked and how much fun they had.”

Photographer: Viera Photographics, Wedding Planner: Rincon Events, Ceremony/Receptions Site: Villa Tres Palmas, Florist: Rincon Events, Caterer: Rincon Events, Cake: Robin Kaplin, Processional: Hank and Yuri Music, Stationery: Celina Zárate, Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero, Groom's Clothing Designer: Calvin Klein, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Clothing Designer: Bridesmaids: J. Crew, Groomsmen: Calvin Klein